thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart r
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
May 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
May 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Welcome to Issue 11 of your international smart magazine ‘4site’. We are now well into 2009 and the months of planning during winter now means multiple Events and activities getting underway. If you are reading this magazine having acquired it in full colour, professionally printed format, you are one of thousands of people in multiple countries around the world benefitting from a magazine with truly international input and readership – it’s your smart magazine and details of how you can submit articles and images are included within these pages.
In this quarter’s issue of ‘4site: Club News How to join thesmartclub Our ‘Privilege Card Handover Packs
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smart USA smart of Exeter
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smart of Brighton smart centre Saarbrucken
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Events Review Smarts at Ace Café, London
Local Meetings Supplier Features Features Roadster rebuild Pin badge collection
Forthcoming events Smart Event - London Brooklands Special Meeting Smart times Austria
Mods & Maintenance Roadster Power Steering Roadster Bonnet Pop Roadster Bulkhead Seal
Dealership News This issue of ‘4site’ even has special offers offering you savings on Insurance, servicing and cars – see pages 10, 20, 22 and 27. You will also see we have some exciting events coming up in London, smart Brooklands, Austria and, of course, multiple local meetings. Of course, the smart range continues to expand with the cdi, mhd and ev derivatives – plus the hugely exciting concept from BRABUS of their ev cabrio, details of which you can also find in this issue of ‘4site’.
News from Hambach Submit an Article News from smart News from BRABUS Advertisers
It’s sure to be a very full year for smart owners and enthusiasts and our August issue of ‘4site’ (Issue 12) will bring additional previews of the smart event in Austria, a preview of our rally prepared Roadster and it’s forthcoming international Event plus a new section in the magazine reflecting ‘Letters’ we have received from our Members and Readership. Thank you for your continued support
Daimler Insurance Services UK Ltd Half Moon Bay (Leisure) Ltd smart Brooklands Smart Car Specialist Smart Car Superstore smart of Cardiff smart of Swansea Smarts-R-Us Wellsmart
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Al Young Chairman & Managing Director thesmartclub ltd
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
May 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Club News How to join thesmartclub Joining thesmartclub could not be easier and we have a number of options available to you.
Online If you have access to the internet, simply log on to our web site at www.thesmartclub.com and click the ‘Join the Club’ menu option. Here you will find two options, one giving web only access, the other giving you web access plus four copies of ‘4site’ and a Privilege Card!!
Offline (postal) We are very aware that many people do not have regular access to internet services and as such, we offer an ‘offline’ membership service. You receive a copy of ‘4site’ delivered to your door each quarter, Event information and application forms by post and automatic entitlement to our ‘Privilege Card’. Of course, you also benefit from full telephone and fax support. Simply write to us at:
NEW: Members of thesmartclub can save Money on Airport Car Parking by booking with Park and Go You can make savings of up to 60% compared to the drive-up rates, when you pre-book your airport car parking online with Park and Go. You can use the secure online booking facility to prebook your parking at over 70 car parks at all major airports across the UK. When your booking is complete you will receive easy to follow directions via email straight away. thesmartclub members who hold thesmartclub Privilege Card can save a further 10% off the cost off their airport car parking by entering a discount code when making a booking. Contact thesmartclub for full details!
thesmartclub ltd, PO Box 28549 Edinburgh, EH4 5WB, UK
Our Privilege Card – smart saving!
Now in its 7th year, our ‘Privilege Card’ continues to go from strength to strength bringing you discounts on servicing and parts from multiple smart centres in addition to significant discounts from third party organisations. Plus you receive discounted pricing in thesmartclub’s Online Shop and better still, benefit from significant discounts on our Major Event prices. Full Membership of thesmartclub includes a Privilege Card as part of the ‘Pack’ and we also have a number of UK smart Dealerships providing Membership Packs with every new and use car purchased – contact thesmartclub for more details!
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
May 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
May 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Events: Review Smarts at the Ace Café, London For the uninitiated, The Ace Café is an old biker’s café in West London, that was re-opened a few years ago, after undergoing a major refurbishment in the retro style of its heyday in the 50’s and 60’s. The Ace Café was actually built in 1938 as a roadside cafe to cater for hauliers, using the new North Circular Road. With its handy position and the fact it was open 24 hours a day; The Ace Café soon began to attract plenty of motorcyclists. In World War II, the building was badly damaged during an air raid and was rebuilt in 1949.
After the war there was a major increase in road traffic, teenagers and motorbikes and trade at the Ace boomed. The British motorcycle industry was at its peak, and along with this came the arrival of the "Ton-Up-Boys" and Rock´n´Roll. The Ace Café soon became the place to meet. From this powerful fusion of motorbikes and Rock´n´Roll came the legends of record-racing, one of them being - drop the coin right into the slot, and race to a given point and back before the record finished. The Ace Café was the launch pad for many famous racers and the birthplace for many bands. Unfortunately, places like the Ace often received bad press from the tabloids, which carried many articles portraying cafés as ‘the places where decent people didn’t go!’ Changes in the social order, the growth of the car market at the expense of the motorbike industry, and the expansion of the motorway network literally saw the Ace Café being by-passed, and sadly it served its last portion of egg and chips in 1969.
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All was not lost however. In 1993, driven by a passion for motorbikes and Rock ‘n' Roll, Mark Wilsmore began planning to re-open the legendary Café. Twenty-five years after the Café closed, the first Ace Café Reunion was held in 1994, attracting 12,000 people. The following annual reunions, known as "Ace Days", took place on historic ground: Brighton's famous Madeira Drive, (the very place the first London to Brighton run organized by thesmartclub ended), as the original Ace site couldn't accommodate the steadily rising numbers of visitors. Over 25,000 enthusiastic riders celebrated Ace Day in 1997. From that day major steps were made towards the re-opening of the Ace Café, including securing the original site and launching the Ace Café Club. Based on the rich heritage and traditions of the 50's and 60's, the Ace Café still embodies the same values as when the original Rockers called it home. The bikes, the music, and perhaps the whole world have changed, but the spirit remains the same: Nonconformist, rebellious, individual and authentic – a bit like smart owners really! Eight years after the first reunion day the famous biker’s haunt had its Grand Opening in September 2001. However, not since 2004 has there been a proper smart meet at The Ace, when just eight of these iconic little cars met at the venue and parked in front of the famous windows of the Café. Two of those original eight, myself and Tom Crawford, who have been heavily involved with the smart scene for the past six years and instigated that first gathering, decided to organise this much larger event as we had such fond memories from before.
On Saturday 21st February smarts of all descriptions made their way from Essex,
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
May 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Nottingham, Peterborough, Gloucestershire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Kent, East Sussex and London for this daytime congregation. This time we had the whole of the Café car park to ourselves with not eight cars but seventy three, including a mobile ‘smart’ doctor on call and there was still plenty of room for more! Such is the small footprint these cute cars make, you can fit two of them nose to tail in one normal car parking space, not that we needed to on this occasion. Seen from above, the forecourt surely looked like Joseph’s coat of many colours, a multi-coloured patchwork quilt of smarts. From 11am until 5pm over a hundred smart owners met up with old friends and new, chatting, taking photos, testing out the great food in the café, comparing their newest modifications and gloating over the latest ideas.
the event in collaboration with The Ace Café and kindly made for us by 2minits. Most of the people that attended the event belong to the website forum Smartmaniacs (www.smartmaniacs.co.uk) with a few from the thesmartclub (www.thesmartclub.com). These websites and clubs reach owners nationwide but there are of course locally based clubs around the country to which many of the owners go to on a regular monthly basis. Several of these clubs made appearances at the Café including the Essex Smarties Smart Car Club, East Kent Smarts, South Coast Smarts, Cambridge Smarts and DAFT smarts to name but a few.
One of which was a stunning carbon fibre boot lid for the roadster, cleverly designed and recently produced by Ian at Big Performance. The guys from Fudgesmart.co.uk, Fudge and 2minits were also on hand to help out with a few mechanical problems folks were having on the day. They both worked their magic on several cars, including mine; they really have the Midas touch those two! We were also blessed with the special guest appearance of David Ward – Winner of the European Cannonball Run 2008 and his amazing Brabus smart. David along with his codriver Adrian won the rally by a whisker by incredibly keeping to an average of 61mph over the entire 3000 mile dash across Europe in only five days. David has just published a book about his experience in the Cannonball Run called ‘The Smart One’ in which he describes how he won without any major sponsorship. Like any car club, and maybe surprisingly to many new to smart ownership, these little cars are often customised and modified to within an inch of their lives and invariably sport big wheels, spoilers, side skirts, dump valves, sports filters, air scoops, neons, panel wraps, custom paint jobs, graphics and copious amounts of very shiny bling. They are tinkered with, tuned up and talked about for hours on end. They may be small but many are certainly unique, and there were plenty of examples for all to see on the day and no doubt helped give many people a few ideas to go home with, along with the stickers I designed for
www.thesmartclub.com
The positive feedback both myself and Tom have had from everyone that attended this meet has been amazing and we cannot thank Carl Garner, the events manager at The Ace enough for making us so welcome and for being so enthusiastic about having us all back again. We have already booked the next meet for Saturday 24th October, and are hoping to continue the presence of ‘Smarts at the Ace’ by organising a regular quarterly meet. Written by Julie Saltmarsh © Photography by Tom Crawford ©
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
May 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Regular Local Meetings If you regularly meet with a group of local smart owners and enthusiasts (wherever that is in the world) and you would like your meeting included in our future listings, please email events.team@thesmartclub.com or telephone us on +44-845-299-0332 with details for inclusion in the next issue of our ‘4site’ magazine.
Milton Keynes smart meet Every 2nd Monday, 7.30 p.m. onwards Check Meetings Section of thesmartclub MessageBoard Navigation Pub, Stoke Bruerne DAFT Mansfield meet 1st Wednesday of every month at 7.00ish p.m. The Snipe Pub, Alfreton Road, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 1JE
Local Meetings Shepperton meet 1st Wednesday of every month 1930hrs to 2200hrs: The Thames Court, Towpath, Shepperton, TW17 9LJ.
East smart Cambridge meet 2nd Monday of every month Grantchester St. Albans Meet 4th Thursday of every month from 7:30pm The Three Horseshoes, 612 Hatfield Road Smallford, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0HP
East Kent smarties 2nd Wednesday of every month, from 8.00 p.m. Dukes Head Pub, Sellindge, nr Ashford, Kent
Essex smarties meet 2nd Tuesday of every month, 7.30 to 8.00 p.m. The Essex Cricketers, Notley Green, Great Notley, Braintree, Essex, CM7 7WW
NWsmarties meet 3rd Thursday of every month from 6.30pm The Riverside, Warrington Road, Acton Bridge, Northwich, Cheshire Please note that as many of the following meetings are outside of the direct control of thesmartclub, details and dates may change.
Contact thesmartclub We have a wide range of contact options available to you enabling you to have questions answered: Email Enquiries General: admin@thesmartclub.com Membership: membership@thesmartclub.com Privilege Card: privilege@thesmartclub.com Events: events@thesmartclub.com Technical (car related): technical@thesmartclub.com Technical (web related): webmaster@thesmartclub.com Advertising: advertising@thesmartclub.com Club Merchandise: distribution@thesmartclub.com Phone +44 (0) 845 299 0332
Fax +44 (0) 131 312 6167
Post Thesmartclub ltd PO Box 28549 Edinburgh EH4 5WB UK
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
May 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Supplier Features smartmods.co.uk - only recently launched, this company has started to produce a range of parts for 450/451 fortwos, Roadster and forfours. We are confident we’ll have a product review or two in future issues of ‘4site’. Meantime, as a starter, the Company advises us that they are: “Purveyors of the unusual. The original and best MP3 to smart stereo connector leads, angel eyes, uprated earth leads, security wheel bolts and many other curiosities.” For Members or Readers of ‘4site’ with no internet access, please contact thesmartclub directly for additional information.
Half Moon Bay Leisure Ltd, well known
effective brake pedal. Once engaged, SmartBox DUO replenishes the vacuum in the car's power assisted servo brake system. By replenishing the vacuum, gentle smooth pressure is applied to the towed vehicle’s brakes. With the power assisted servo brakes active, only 10 - 12 pounds of pressure is required to apply the brakes effectively and provide a gentle smooth stop. SmartBox DUO is a progressive system that automatically applies the correct brake effort. You set the sensitivity once and SmartBoxDUO does the rest. The harder you are stopping the harder the towed vehicle brakes, automatically. Because SmartBoxDUO utilizes the power brakes, a proportionate balance between the Motorhome and the towed car is built into the SmartBoxDUO.
for their Smart-Trailers range of dedicated small vehicle trailers for towing Smart, Toyota iQ and other small cars behind Motorhome’s is adding to its specialised range with the launch of SmartTow. One of the key problems with ordinary AFrames, that use a manual overrun system to apply the towed vehicle’s brakes, is that it is invariably operating on a “Dead Pedal” and therefore may not meet the braking efficiencies required by law. If your towed vehicle has power assisted brakes, energised by vacuum from the engine inlet manifold to the master servo, then when the towed vehicle’s engine is not running it is not providing vacuum to the brake’s servo and is therefore unlikely to meet an effective braking capacity without applying excessive force to the “dead” brake pedal. Smart-Tow + SmartBox Duo electronic braking is different. First and foremost, Smart-Tow towing frame utilises the vehicle manufacturers built-in towing points to attach the Smart-Tow. This eliminates the need to cut and change the front panels of the vehicle thereby avoiding any adverse effects on the crash management system, air bag deployment and resale value of the towed vehicle. Secondly, SmartBox DUO electronic braking provides both vacuum and air pressure. The SmartBox DUO system energizes the towed vehicle’s power assisted servo brakes without the engine running, so you have a soft and
www.thesmartclub.com
SmartBox DUO uses two separate signals to activate the towed vehicles brakes, it combines both brake light activation and inertia to instigate a braking event. This provides an unmatched ability to eliminate unwanted or unnecessary activation of the towed vehicle brakes. "Two signal" activation avoids the need for delay (terrain sensing technology or surge suppressers) found with inertia-only systems. With the SmartBox DUO, you must have sufficient deceleration inertia (controlled by you) AND brake light activation. Once met, with NO DELAY, the towed vehicle brakes are gently and progressively activated For further information, see the smart-tow advert in this magazine or contact thesmartclub.
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
May 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Features Turning a Roadster from upside down We were contacted by one of our Members (Robert McDonald) regarding an impressive rebuild he had done on a damaged Roadster. Whilst we hope to include a full article of the work done, we thought it may be useful to provide a quick summary now along with some images in advance of a more detailed explanation in our next issue:
I did this using a mild steel and a welding kit I bought from Halfords and once finished I used silver smoothrite to paint all the new work and the colour match was as near as damn it! Once this work was complete and dry I spent about a month getting all the parts needed to re assemble her. Most of these came from Mercedes direct, but some I got from breakers around the country, then I took her down to a body shop and had her sprayed for £500.
Robert takes up the story: The car was purchased a couple of years ago from a breakers yard in Norfolk for next to nothing including delivery! I managed to get her started even in her sorry state and move the car off the back of the truck and get her into my small yard, although the security system stumped me initially!. She arrived on a weekday so I had to wait until the weekend to strip her and make a parts list.
You will note that I had the headlight cowling and bumpers done in the same colour as I believe this looks much better!
As you can see from the pics the front end needed a complete rebuild including the remanufacture of front end chassis and struts.
My wife and I are so pleased with what I have done and have already spent much time in the car travelling around Europe with smiles nearly as wide as the car. I hope you enjoy the pictures
Submitted by: Robert McDonald
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
May 2009
thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Forthcoming Events
smart Brooklands - July
smart Event – June 10th
NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! We are delighted to announce the first of a series of regular quarterly Events at smart Brooklands in association with thesmartclub ltd. This will be a truly exciting inaugural evening Event with a range of activities, information, technical help and opportunities.
A superb and unique opportunity for members of thesmartclub in conjunction with smart and Members of the media. The venue is Rochelle School, Shoreditch, only five minutes walk from the achingly cool Shoreditch House. There will be the mhd and cdi models available for members to drive on pre-planned test routes. You will also get the chance to drive the electric smart and making their UK debut (on static display) will be the new shape smart ed concept from the Paris Autoshow 2008 (with lithium ion battery) and the Brabus ed concept from this year's Geneva Autoshow. There will be brand displays on topics including "history", "environment", art & design as well as a number of smart experts on hand to answer any questions you may have. This is an exclusive opportunity and there's obviously a limit on overall numbers given the test drive opportunities. Anyone who wants to drive will need to have a clean, current driving licence and have to sign smart’s disclaimer, which essentially means they are responsible for any parking & speeding fines incurred and the acceptance that drivers will undertake to drive responsibly. The
proposed
‘slots’ 20
places each
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In addition to many offers and opportunities during the evening, and in advance of what is hopefully a long hot summer, there will be a ‘once only’ chance to have your air conditioning recharged at a superbly low, not to be repeated, price. More details soon! Of course, there will also be Members of the smart Brooklands sales team on hand to assist with any queries you may have regarding any of the range of smarts available for purchase. The exact date in July will be confirmed shortly via thesmartclub’s web site and thesmartclub will also post details to all ‘offline’ Members. This really is the start of a regular quarterly ‘special’ meeting of smart owners and enthusiasts who can make it along to smart Brooklands. The venue makes this one of THE smart locations in which to gather, meet and discuss ‘all things smart’ on a regular basis. Best of all the event is FREE and as we expect significant interest, numbers may have to be limited. Full details of how you can express an interest in attending this inaugural meeting will be advised during May (both via thesmartclub web site and by post to ‘offline’ members). See smart Brooklands advert in this Magazine for further details of location and more special offers including discounted servicing or discount of Approved used smarts (see advert for T&Cs).
5.00 pm - 6.00 pm 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm The Event will close by 9pm and there will be refreshments during the three sessions. Contact thesmartclub for further details or to reserve a place for your test drive.
www.thesmartclub.com
There will be a ‘Prize Draw’, snacks, beverages and competitions. Plus, we’ll have smart Brooklands technicians on hand to answer any technical questions you may have and there will be a range of STAR checks available to you.
If you have any questions meantime, please email brooklandsmeeting@thesmartclub.com or contact thesmartclub on +44(0) 845 299 0332
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Community gefragt. Denn smart times 2009 ist unser Treffen - ein Event der smart Community für die smart Community. Noch nie zuvor war dieser interaktive Bestandteil des Events so ausgeprägt wie im Jahr 2009.
Forthcoming Events smart times 2009 Willkommen in der smart Klasse smart times ist das größte jährlich stattfindende smart Treffen weltweit. In den letzten 3 Jahren fuhren über 5.000 smart Fahrer und smart Enthusiasten aus allen europäischen Ländern nach Österreich, um sich persönlich kennen zu lernen, sich auszutauschen und gemeinsam drei Tage Top-Programm im Zeichen unseres Kultflitzers zu erleben. Selbst die oft lange Anreise wurde zum Erlebnis: Bei den vielen Sternfahrten - zahlreiche smart Fahrer machten sich gemeinsam auf den Weg nach Zell am See - herrschte stets eine mitreißende Stimmung. Denn smart times ist nicht mit herkömmlichen Autotreffen zu vergleichen. Hier machen wir, die smart Community, den Unterschied: Unterstützt von smart, lassen unsere Clubs, Fans und smart Besitzer aus ganz Europa das 3-Tage-Treffen in den malerischen Bergen von Zell am See/Kaprun zu einem unvergesslichen smart Erlebnis werden. Wir wollen nun einen ersten Blick hinter die Kulissen werfen um zu erfahren, warum das diesjährige Event uns smart Fans besonders ansprechen wird.
Die smart Community gestaltet smart times 2009 Die zentral gelegene Region Zell am See/Kaprun wurde auch für 2009 (21.08.23.08.09) als bewährte Bühne der Veranstaltung bestätigt. Bereits im März/April sind hier neue Locations besichtigt, Veranstaltungspartner getroffen und Verkehrssicherheits- sowie Rahmen-bedingungen für das aktionsreiche Programm besprochen worden. Nach diesem bürokratischen Teil sind jetzt Mitsprache und aktive Mitgestaltung der smart
www.thesmartclub.com
Für Mitgestaltung und Mitsprache bietet sich neben unseren eigenen Homepages, Foren und Blogs vor allem die Homepage www.smarttimes.at, die wichtigste Informationsplattform zum Event. Die Plattform präsentiert sich ab Mai 2009 als interaktives Tool für die Community (auf Deutsch, Englisch, Französisch und Italienisch). Programmpunkte und spannende Wettbewerbe können über diese Homepage aktiv mitgestaltet werden.
Drei Tage lang smart erleben Apropos Programm, 2009 werden wir auf dem alten Flughafengelände von Zell am See einen klaren smart Schwerpunkt erleben - die smart Klasse in all ihren Facetten: Tunings, Accessoires, Neuigkeiten, kreative wie rasante Wettbewerbe, den unvergleichbaren smart Corso und vieles mehr. Als zusätzliche Abwechslung bietet sich die Region rund herum. Bergab und bergauf, rund um den See, mit AlmStop oder Knödel-Pause können wir unseren smart in den lauwarmen Spätsommertagen jenseits des urbanen Lebens richtig genießen.
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Attraktive Übernachtungspakete sind ebenfalls auf www.smarttimes.at zu finden. Party time in der Burg smart ist neben Autowelt, Innovation und Funktionalität auch pure Lebensfreude, so darf 2009 unsere smart Partynight nicht fehlen. Atemberaubend ist die einzigartige Kulisse: die mittelalterliche Burg Kaprun mit imposantem Blick auf das Zeller Tal wird am Samstagsabend exklusiv für smart zu einer magischen Party Location. Bei diversen Musikrichtungen und Live Auftritten, in Dancefloor- und Relaxbereichen fühlen sich alle smart Fans wohl. Ein Tipp? Akkreditieren können wir uns ab Mai ganz einfach online auf www.smarttimes.at
smart times 2009 smart times is one of the largest annual smart meetings world-wide. In the last three years drivers and smart enthusiasts drove from a number of European countries to Austria, in order to get to know each other, exchange ideas and experiences and to experience three days of a superb program of events with over 5.000 like minded people. The journey itself is part of the experience, with multiple meetings en route ensuring that the journey is much more than a routine drive to the start. Indeed, the smart times event is like no other automotive meeting. It’s the smart Community that makes the difference. Supported by smart, the clubs and smart fans, the smart owners across Europe make this three day Event, set amidst the picturesque mountains next to the lake, an unforgettable but completely smart experience. We want to give you a first view behind the scenes about the whole experience and why this year’s Event is one that will really appeal to smart fans.
Ein Abschlusswort zu diesem ersten Blick hinter die Kulissen von smart times 2009 kann nur unsere herzliche Einladung sein, Ende August 2009 den Koffer zu packen und mit eurem smart ab nach Österreich zu fahren: smart times 09 wird ein fantastisches Gettogether der smart Community sein, wir freuen uns drauf!
The main venue for this year’s event will again be next to the lake from 21st to 23rd August 2009 continuing the proven success from previous years. In March and April this year, new locations were visited, Partner meetings took place and discussions around the meeting requirements, road safety as well as the requirements and conditions required to make the Event a rich, action packed program. Look out for full information about this years smart times Austria Event via the smart times web site at www.smarttimes.at and via thesmartclub’s web site. Our Members with no internet access will have full event details posted to them. For any enquiries meantime, email events@thesmartclub.com
www.thesmartclub.com
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
Having completed this formal part of the arrangements, a decision was taken to have the smart community act as ‘co-designers’ because smart times 2009 is ‘our meeting’ – a smart community event for the smart community. This is the first time an interactive component of the Event has ever been undertaken. It will be in addition to the homepage, forums and blog already available at the smart times 2009 website (www.smarttimes.at). This co-design aspect will use an online poll and this will be one of the most important information platforms available to the Event design. The poll starts May 2009 and is available in German, English, French and Italian.
Features Oscar Fernandez from Schwieberdingen, Germany contacted thesmartclub in April to let us know about his impressive collection of badges. Oscar started collecting badges from a whole range of cars 19 years ago (!) and for the past ten years he has specialised in collecting Daimler and Porsche badges only. His collection already boasts than 2600 badges from Daimler and DaimlerChrysler with a further 480 badges from Porsche. Of course, his Daimler collection include a hugely impressive collection of smart badges, now boosted by badges sent to him by thesmartclub.
Key areas of the Event program, in addition to exciting competitions, can be co-designed by means of this poll.
The three day long smart experience will take place on the old airport area next to the lake with a clear emphasis on ‘smart experiences’. There will again be many facets to this event including Tuning, Accessories, latest news, rapid ‘creative’ competitions, the incomparable smart Corso and much more besides. Attractive overnight accommodation packages can be found at www.smarttimes.at. In addition, it will be ‘party time in the castle’ with a breathtaking backdrop: the medieval castle with an impressive view of the Zeller valley on the Saturday evening. ith a wide range of music and live performances coupled with the superb dance floor mixed with equal relaxation. Online Registration for this year’s Event starts in May and is available at www.smarttimes.at.
www.thesmartclub.com
If you’d like to contact Oscar, you can do so by email at oscar.fernandez2@web.de. If you have a smart related collection you’d like to share with our international readership, please contact thesmartclub.
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‘4site’ : Issue 11
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thesmartclub ltd … be part of the world’s largest independent club for all things smart
The top connector in the picture is the power to the power steering motor, the lower of the 2 connectors is the column rotation sensor.
Mods & Maintenance! Task: Fixing intermittent power steering problem (Roadster) Supplied by: www.evilution.co.uk
This should sort out the intermittent nature of the steering fault.
Open the bonnet and remove the boot bucket from the front of the Roadster. On the left hand side of the battery are 4 connections, 2 earths and 2 plugs. Circled below shows 1 of the earths and the motor power connector.
If it Still Doesn't Stop The Problem Check the cables coming away from the steering rack, you are looking for splits in the sheathing ,chaffing and obviously cables that have been cut through totally. Check for water under the carpet. The PAS controller is attached to the centre console, underneath the dash, in the footwell, hidden by the carpet. Although it is unlikely, there is a small chance that this controller could become water damaged. While you are looking at it, ensure the connections to it are OK and pushed in tightly.
On a disassembled PAS (power assisted steering) rack you can see the connections more clearly. Circled in yellow are the 2 earth connections. These corrode which can affect the connection. Pull the connections off of these earth tabs and clean with sand paper or wire wool. A spray of contact cleaner on the tabs and connections will also help. Reconnect these 2 earth connections.
Pull the fuse for the power steering and replace it with a fresh one, make sure it's tight when reinserted as a loose fuse could cause intermittence through the vibration of the engine.
If the Problem Is Still There There is a possibility of debris getting into the steering rack. Check the rubber bellows on each end for splits and make sure the clips are holding rubber bellows in place. If your rack has become contaminated there isn't much you can do apart from replace it or try to take your existing one apart to clean it out, if you do attempt that, good luck.
Contact Cleaner Also called switch cleaner. It can be bought from places a range of electrical, diy and electronic outlets such a Maplin.
The final 2 main connectors should be sealed but it is always worth the time to disconnect them and give all parts a quick spray in contact cleaner before reconnecting all of the connectors.
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If you are an online buyer then Google or Ebay search for contact or switch cleaner. Servisol and Ambersil both do such a product and neither are expensive.
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You will need various Torx and standard sockets. Note there are small headed Torx screws holding the brace onto the front bumper.
Mods & Maintenance! Task: Roadster Remote Bonnet Pop Supplied by: www.evilution.co.uk Ever get to your Roadster with your arms full of shopping only to have to put it down, unlock the car, open the glove box, pull the bonnet release, clamber back out and finally open the bonnet... it soon becomes tedious. There are after market remote access options but these are very expensive (often in the hundreds) and you would have a second remote to carry around just to open the bonnet! So here's how to do it with a central locking servo that you can pick up from ebay, brand new, for just a few pounds. The bonnet is not originally fitted with an electronic release in case it were to malfunction or be accidentally triggered whilst driving. The inclusion of a small, flat push to make button in the grill recess acts as a fail safe. This also allows the central locking servo to get it's power (or signal if you prefer to add a relay but it works ok without) from the front driver's side indicator. When 'unlock' is pressed on the remote the indicators flash once. If this happens while the button in the grill recess is pressed the motor is powered and the bonnet pops! It may not be as technical as it could be, but it works! Did I mention it costs about £5?
What You Need
Lift out the cross brace (It can be tricky to get the bonnet catch through the gap). Attach the central locking motor in the position shown with screws (drilling may be required).
The position might be slightly different depending on the unit you have but you must ensure that it will fit in the gap above the radiator when the brace is replaced. Circled in yellow below is the 2 new fixing screws for the new solenoid.
A suitable servo or central locking motor like the one pictured (ebay is your friend), a good quality, exterior grade flat 'push to make' switch (push on, release off), around 1 metre of wire, Fuse/Relay (Optional), a basic set of tools.
Fitting The Bonnet Opening Solenoid Open the bucket from
bonnet and remove the the front of the
boot car.
Remove the Torx bolts from the forward cross brace and those which hold the bonnet catch.
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Cut and insert the linkage (should be supplied with unit) in such a way that it will operate (push) the bonnet catch open when it is back in place (you may need to hold it in place to do this). Also ensure that the linkage can move freely when back in place.
Refit the cross brace being sure to first place the bonnet catch through the gap. The negative wire (in this case green) from the servo should also be attached to a good earth at this point via one of the large torque headed bolts (ensure that you have the wires the correct way round to make the servo push, NOT pull when powered). Reach down to the lower light cluster (it is possible to reach it without removing anything) and release the indicator connector. You can feel a clip, lift it and pull the connector out. You may also need to remove the sidelight (twist) as they are taped together.
Ensure the other end of the wire you have just attached is not earthed or connected to anything else. Install the switch by using a dremel tool or similar to cut a hole in the underside top of the grill recess or where ever you prefer. Alternatively you could use a drill and a file. Take care not to make it too large so the flange of the switch slips through! It may be necessary to attach the wires to the switch and feed them through the hole as there is not much space to work with. Getting the nut on to hold the switch will also be tricky.
The switch breaks the circuit between the feed from the indicator and the central locking motor servo. (You may wish to use a relay here too so the servo has its own power source but it works fine without one). Attach the other side of the switch to the other wire (blue in this case) from the central locking servo. At this point you can test that it works. Press and hold the button and then press 'unlock' on your remote. The servo should 'push'. If not try manually pushing the servo into itself and try again to see the servo push back out. If nothing happens you've got a dodgy connection, most likely the earth. Put it all back together. Nothing should be visible except perhaps part of the linkage bar that acts on the bonnet release .
Cut the positive wire on the indicator (green) allowing for enough length to reattach them together along with a length of wire which you should run to the switch. You could use a scotch lock but I find twisting them together and taping them up more reliable. Ideally you should use heatshrink to protect the joins. Once the wires are connected back together replace the connector onto the indicator and check it still works (press your key).
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For more information, parts advice regarding these modifications and additional help, visit www.evilution.co.uk
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Mods & Maintenance! Task: Roadster Bulkhead Leaks Supplied by: www.fq101.co.uk Many smart Roadsters leak - some worse than others. Soggy ‘SAM’ units, wet feet, wet shoulders, constant windscreen misting and a nasty damp smells are all symptoms commonly reported by Roadster owners as effects of water ingress.
With nowhere to drain, the wiper tray will fill up with stagnant water. This water can penetrate the wiper motor mechanism causing it to operate laboriously. It can also stop the wipers altogether. As the wiper tray is mounted to the underside of the tridion, the water can only overflow into the car if the low point is blocked. It will then trace the wiring leading to SAM unit failure. You may choose to ensure this doesn’t happen by sealing the joint between the tray and the tridion as indicated below.
In this guide, we will address one of the leak sources: the front bulkhead. The effects of this leak can be expensive if water ingresses into the SAM unit (fuse box). Symptoms include wet feet, erratic operation of electrical consumers including the horn, wipers, lights, etc. and slow wipers (wiper motor failure) The cause: With the bonnet, wipers, scuttle and wiper motor removed, you can see how the internal fan air is drawn into the car
The internal air intake is protected from falling rain and spray by the scuttle. Air passes over the wiper motor as shown. As a result, leaves and other debris collect in the wiper tray. Water will run into the wiper tray normally during rain / washing. However, the drain hole is very small and can get easily blocked. With nowhere to drain, the wiper tray will fill up with stagnant water. This water can penetrate the wiper motor mechanism causing it to operate laboriously. It can also stop the wipers altogether.
However, regular checking of the wiper tray and removal of debris should prevent any catastrophic effects.
The drain from the wiper tray connects to a rubber pipe that exits through the front bonnet bay. It is sometimes worth squeezing this along its length to ensure that there are no blockages here as well.
For more information, parts advice regarding these modifications and additional help, visit www.fq101.co.uk
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www.thesmartclub.com
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which is dedicated to planting native trees in rural and urban ecosystem restoration projects across the United States and around the world. To learn more about smart USA, please visit our website at www.smartusa.com. To stay connected to smart fortwo owners in the United States, please visit www.smartusainsider.com
Dealership News Smart USA Celebrates Its First Anniversary. After only one year in business, the smart fortwo is now part of the landscape of American highways from coast to coast. The smart fortwo experienced a robust first year of sales in the United States, crossing the 26,000 sales milestone in January – just 12 months after going on sale. Over 30,000 smart fortwos are on the road to date. As the 37th country to sell the smart fortwo in the world, the United States has already become the third highest sales market of the smart fortwo, trailing only Germany and Italy. In celebration of the smart fortwo’s first year anniversary in the United States, smart centers across the country are hosting several anniversary celebrations. These events are held at local smart centers and they include a range of activities for smart owners and smart enthusiasts such as road rally’s, raffles and service specials. Several cities also have active owners groups who will be taking part in these celebrations.
The smart club community continues to grow across the USA and below are some images of the latest smart gatherings:
Tyson’s Corner, Virginia
In addition to these celebrations, smart USA will also plant a tree in honor of every vehicle sold in 2008. In partnership with American Forests and Daimler Financial Services, smart USA will plant approximately 25,000 trees in the Cache River State Natural Area, located in southern Illinois, about 150 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. smart USA plans to continue this initiative for every vehicle sold in 2009 as well. This partnership not only celebrates the smart fortwo owner, but also helps the environment, much like the environmentally friendly smart fortwo.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Simply by purchasing this vehicle, smart fortwo owners have already played an active role in supporting the environment. In addition to great fuel economy, the smart fortwo is up to 95% recyclable, and is certified as a SmartWay vehicle for its low air pollutant and greenhouse gas scores by the Environmental Protection Agency. The smart fortwo leaves a small carbon footprint on the American landscape.
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
smart USA will be planting the trees as part of the American Forests' Global ReLeaf campaign,
Clearwater, Florida A full series of images will be included in Issue 12 of ‘4site’, August 2009
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Dealership News Smart of Exeter
Offering a smart start to learning are members of the Munchkins Day Nursery team (left to right): Graham Bryant, Deputy Manager Amanda Hawkins, Manager Kate Smith and Chris Bryant
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Taking delivery of a vibrant yellow smart car has certainly turned out to be the ‘bright’ move for an Exeter nursery. Munchkins Day Nursery is using the car for day-to-day transport duties around the city but also to promote the facilities that it offers for up to 150 youngsters from the ages of eight weeks to five years. Purchased from local retailer smart of Exeter, the yellow smart fortwo passion coupé is the latest innovative feature to be introduced by the St Leonards-based business started by brothers Chris and Graham Bryant four-and-a-half years ago. Munchkins’ facilities include sensory rooms, French tuition, organic menus and nurserycam – a password-protected webcam system which enables parents and guardians to watch live footage of their children at any time. “We strive to offer a unique standard of care and create a reputation that is different to any other nursery in the city and our new smart car is very much part of this ethos,” explained Chris Bryant
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As a business vehicle, the smart is economical and easy to park around Exeter so it is extremely efficient to run. However its bright yellow colouring means that it really does turn heads and sticks in people’s memories – hence, as an advertising device, I’m confident it will make parents think about Munchkins when they are considering which local nursery to put their children into.”
Smart of Brighton Cost-conscious motorists seeking the ideal transport in the current financial climate and beyond could be interested in the arrival of the world’s most efficient production car in Brighton later this month. ‘It’s a smart world’ took place at smart of Brighton on Saturday 18th April, when the retailer launched the acclaimed smart fortwo cdi model with an action-packed ride and drive day. The new model returns a staggering 83 miles per gallon on the combined cycle, whilst CO2 emissions of just 88g/km means that owners are exempt from requiring a road fund license.
watch or £200-worth of accessories and there was also a motorhome and trailer exhibition. “Our ride and drive day provided the perfect opportunity for people to pop in and see just what the latest smart cars have to offer and the benefits that they can deliver in the current economic climate,” said Samantha Masters, smart of Brighton’s Sales Manager. “What’s more, members of our service team were also be on hand to answer any technical questions that visitors had”
Smart of Exeter smart of Exeter is hoping its annual convoy will be the biggest yet and is inviting owners from all over the region to attend. The event takes place at 10am on Sunday 17th May and is expected to involve participants from throughout the South West. smart owners from Cornwall and south Devon will be able to meet at Mercedes-Benz of Plymouth before travelling northwards on the A38 together, whilst there will be a similar rendezvous in Somerset at Mercedes-Benz of Taunton. Once all the cars have arrived at smart of Exeter, the convoy will travel on a pre-arranged route around the city before returning to the Marsh Barton site for a pig roast and entertainment. This will include competitions for the best decorated cars and performances by the Street Heat samba band. “The most cars that we have had in previous convoys was around 80, so we’re hoping to set a new record this year,” said Joe Hurrell, smart of Exeter’s Senior Sales Executive.
Another recent arrival at the Portslade showroom was also be available for test drive. The innovative smart fortwo micro hybrid drive utilises an automatic start/stop function, which operates during the engine idling phases, to achieve significant fuel and emissions savings compared to previous 61hp and 71hp versions.
“The smart community in the South West is growing and drivers are very enthusiastic about their cars and the smart ownership experience which includes events like ours,” he added. “We look forward to welcoming as many of them as possible on the day and also creating quite a spectacle for the Exeter public too.”
Visitors to smart of Brighton’s exciting event were able to sample coupé and cabrio versions of both models and enjoy a host of other interesting attractions. These included a “colour a car” competition with the chance to win a
Any smart owners who would like to be part of smart of Exeter’s convoy are invited to register their participation with the retailer’s event team on 01392 822701 or via e-mail at: info@mercedes-benzsouthwest.co.uk
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Smartville News
Smart Centre Saarbrucken
As part of the framework process for the electric drive project, 12 ‘Glider’ (vehicles without an engine) were manufactured during week 11 and 12 at smartville.
The smart Centre Saarbrucken has teamed up with the famous ‘Hooters’ Restaurant chain now open in Neunkirchen, Germany.
These ‘Glider’ vehicles then will be delivered to ‘Zytec’ in the UK for electric tests and endurance tests.
As many Members of thesmartclub know, Saarbrucken features heavily in our annual European visits, particularly this year’s event to Hambach and the BRABUS factory in Bottrop. With smart Center Saaurbucken always on our agenda, it’s superb to see the new association with ‘Hooters’ offering a superb range of food from Chicken wings, burgers, salads and a wide range of sports on the many display/TV screens in the restaurant – not forgetting, of course, the beautiful Hooters girls. So next time you are in the Saarbrucken region combine your visit to smart Centre Saarbrucken with a visit to the amazing restaurant.
True teamwork – final assembly and support services
Hooters is located at Saarbruckerstrasse 16 / Am Wassertum, 66538, Neunkirchen and you can find more information at www.hooters-neunkirchen.de. You can also contact Daniel and the team at smart Centre Saarbrucken via www.smart4saar.de
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Submit an Article to ‘4site’ - We want to hear from you! With a truly international audience, ‘4site’ provides you with an ideal additional channel to tell smart owners and enthusiasts about your ‘smart’ filled holiday, vacation, modifications, tours, competitions and ‘smart’ lifestyle. We make it easy for you to submit articles to us, 24 hours/day, 7 days per week.
You can submit articles directly to us via a dedicated page on our web site.
You can email articles, images and graphics to us any time, any day.
Visit www.thesmartclub.com and select the ‘Forums & Info’ menu option, then ‘4site’ and ‘Submit an Article’.
Your text can be created in an email, pasted into an email or sent to us in any file format. Emails should sent to:
You can type your text directly into the page we provide or paste text you have created elsewhere.
We understand that not everyone has access to the internet or email services. You can send us typed or handwritten letters along with any pictures* and we’ll transcribe your text.
4site@thesmartclub.com Letters should be sent to: ‘4site’ magazine thesmartclub ltd PO Box 28549 Edinburgh EH4 5WB UK
Click ‘SUBMIT’ and you’re done!
We’ll acknowledge all submissions received and advise you when/if your article is being included. * Note that any pictures posted to us cannot be returned. ‘4site’ is an international magazine for smart car owners and enthusiasts – your magazine and your opportunity to share your smart life with others! " ‘4site’ magazine ‘4site’ is an independent quarterly magazine produced, published and distributed by thesmartclub ltd. The magazine is not for resale or commercial redistribution. All content © thesmartclub 2009 and global Daimler media © 2009 Daimler AG. All rights reserved. The welcome distribution image © Franckito, submit button © Kiankhoon, email image © Tomislav Stajduhar, girl writing © Showface | Dreamstime.com. Front and rear magazine cover design and composition by Oliver Whittaker. thesmartclub is a brand of thesmartclub ltd, Company number SC259434, registered in Scotland, UK. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information given herein is accurate, no legal responsibility is accepted by thesmartclub ltd nor its associated third party companies for any errors, omissions or misleading statements. Views expressed in ‘4site’ are not necessarily those of thesmartclub ltd. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the firms whose advertisements appear within this publication however thesmartclub ltd cannot accept responsibility for the offers made by the advertisers even when making specific offers to Members of thesmartclub ltd.
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News from smart
News from smart
Stuttgart – February 27 , 2009
Geneva – March 3rd, 2009
Effective April 1, 2009, Marc Langenbrinck became the new Head of Sales and Marketing smart. In this capacity, he will also be heading the management team of the smart brand. He will succeed Anders-Sundt Jensen, who has been heading the Brand Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars unit since November 1, 2008.
smart fortwo BRABUS electric drive
th
A near-series smart-BRABUS show car featuring electric drive and a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery celebrated its world premiere in Geneva. Exclusive matt green paintwork gives the vehicle a very elegant and trendy appearance. A white cabriolet soft top and LED daytime driving lights round off the harmonious appearance of the exterior. The matching interior features leather and fabrics in the colours green and white. The sports suspension with BRABUS "Monoblock VII" alloy wheels in a five double-spoke design and matt white exterior and interior applications convey a sporty and functional impression.
Since joining the company in 1995, Marc Langenbrinck has held a number of senior management positions. For example, from 2000 to 2004, he was a member of the planning staff of the Chairman of the Board of Management. After that, he was active as head of corporate strategy for Sales & Marketing and DaimlerChrysler Services. From 2005 to 2007, Marc Langenbrinck was responsible for managing and reporting on sales-relevant activities as part of the CORE program at Mercedes-Benz Cars. Since April 2007 he has headed the Fleet Sales, Direct Sales and Remarketing unit at Mercedes-Benz Cars. In his new position, he is reporting to AndersSundt Jensen.
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The smart fortwo BRABUS electric drive is additionally equipped with a BRABUS sound generator which generates a sound specially developed for the smart electric drive via the power output. The show car provides a look ahead at the series production.
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